The line between musician and artist has often been blurred. Since the inception of rock n’ roll, many of music’s greatest icons have expressed themselves not just through song, but through visual mediums as well.
For some, tattooing became more than just a hobby – it was a deep passion that ran parallel to their music careers.
Now, let us take a look at the best-known musicians who are tattoo artists at the same time.
Patrick Sheridan (Fit For An Autopsy)
Patrick Sheridan is the guitarist for the metalcore band Fit For An Autopsy. In addition to his impressive guitar skills and commanding stage presence,
Sheridan is also an accomplished tattoo artist.
Sheridan specializes in the American traditional style of tattooing, known for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and iconic imagery like:
- Anchors
- Roses
- Skulls
He works out of 1920 Tattoo in Georgia, where he brings his distinct artistic vision to life on the skin of his clients.
Balancing the demands of being both a touring musician and a tattoo artist is no easy feat, but Sheridan has found a way to channel his overflowing creativity into both of his passions.
Alex Varkatzas (Atreyu)
While the bright lights of Hollywood call many in Alex’s position, his true calling lies elsewhere.
Beyond sold-out shows and worldwide tours with Atreyu, Alex harbors a quieter obsession – one observed not under spotlights, but fluorescent bulbs in shops across the country.
Tattooing arose not merely as a pastime, but as a deep passion for traditional American designs and techniques.
Bold outlines and classic nautical motifs spring forth from Alex’s steady inking hand. A patient artist, each tattoo becomes a colorful canvas expressing hard-earned skill. On tour, Alex sees tattooing not as a distraction, but an opportunity.
Dropping in at shops gives back to devoted local scenes, while his clients gain far more – a piece of Alex’s art to carry always. Bonds form that transcend music, as skin becomes a gallery and portrait for gifted designs.
Jimmy Wizard (Higher Power)
Behind every frontman lies a true artist, and Jimmy Wizard’s creative spirit runs deeper than most realize.
While the rockstar life calls others, Jimmy’s passion led him to hone his craft long nights in Sacred Electric and Old Habits – two of London’s most respected shops.
Surrounded by masters, Jimmy absorbed techniques like a sponge. But his intent was never technical perfection – a tattoo, to Jimmy, must tell a story. Punk skulls and edgy motifs on the skin pulsed with the same raw energy as his songs. Fans know Jimmy’s ferocious stage presence.
But in Ink Inc., Portobello Road’s top parlor, one witnesses that fire channeled into ink.
As Jimmy’s steady hand guides the tattoo gun, clients feel each line driven by a deep creativity and love of visual languages. They leave forever tied to styles no other can replicate.
Chris Bishop (Crobot)
Based out of Abaddon Studio in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, Chris Bishop has found a way to seamlessly merge his love for rock music with his passion for tattooing.
Bishop’s artistic style as a tattoo artist is diverse, often incorporating elements of his musical background into his unique designs.
His ability to adeptly balance his time between touring with Crobot and honing his craft as a tattoo artist highlights his unwavering dedication to both of his creative pursuits.
The dual roles he has as a renowned guitarist and a skilled tattoo artist showcase the impressive versatility of his artistic talents and his commitment to sharing his passions with the world.
Human Furnace (Ringworm)
You know what they say – never judge a book by its cover.
And in the case of James Bulloch, better known as Human Furnace, the hardcore frontman of the legendary band Ringworm, that statement couldn’t ring more true.
Because behind the gritty, in-your-face stage persona lies a true artist, a master of a different kind of canvas – the human skin.
At first glance, you might not expect the same hands that grip the microphone with such ferocity to be the ones delicately etching intricate designs onto flesh.
But that’s exactly what makes Bulloch’s story so fascinating. It’s a tale of duality, of contrasts, and of an unwavering passion that transcends genres and mediums.
Frank Carter (Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes)
Frank Carter is often seen as just the frontman for his hit band, but few fans know about his real passion outside of music.
Underneath the rockstar exterior beats the heart of a true artistic spirit. For over a decade, Frank found refuge in the inspiring world of tattoos.
While others sought fame and fortune, he perfected his craft in the studios of London’s top tattoo parlors.
At Sang Bleu, Frank’s eager clients would wait hours just for the chance to be inked by his skilled hand.
Through each tattoo, he strived to leave more than just a design – but a piece of his creative soul. Flipping through his sketchbooks, one sees how Frank views tattooing not just as a job, but as an art form to is constantly evolving. Bold ideas spring forth, blending tradition with his rebellious streak.
Balancing rock stardom with his work at Sang Bleu cannot be easy. Yet for Frank, the rewards of both feed his hunger to constantly challenge limits.
